We may still be waiting for the first of the new trains to enter on the Tyne and Wear Metro but children in the region will be able to get a taste of what to expect with a scale model of one taking centrepiece for a new pop-up play village at Old Eldon Square in the centre of Newcastle.
The Tiny Toon pretend-play village features iconic local landmarks as well as a replica of one of the Stadler built trains. It opened to the public on Monday 22nd July and will be in place until the end of the summer school holidays on 1st September. Its open 1000-1700 (Monday-Saturday) and 1000-1630 (Sundays).
As well as the Metro train, the play village has a mini Tyne Bridge, Metro platform and cube, Eldon Square, Theatre Royal and a My Delhi Restaurant.
Huw Lewis, Customer Services Director at Nexus, said: “We’re delighted to be headline partners for NE1’s new Tiny Toon activation this summer. We wanted Metro to be a part of this project, as it aligns with our ‘kids go free’ permanent price promise, helping families access the city and now enjoy free play at the miniature village.
“The new mini Metro train, a highlight of the play space, is designed to resemble our new fleet, which we are excited to roll out as part of a £362m investment to transform the region’s transport system. We hope families take full advantage of free kids’ Metro travel and have a great time in the city this summer.”
The Metro train is a child sized version of one of the new trains and includes the same interior design, seat covers and hi-vis vests for children playing in the area. The platform alongside will also have its own station sign – Old Eldon Square.